In the spring, PNW will offer a new program aimed at helping the world be more ethical.

The Certificate in Ethics will be available next semester to help undergraduate students and professionals looking to advance their careers. It is the first program at PNW allowing students to specialize in the study of ethics as a distinct academic field.

“There are lots of important ethical issues facing society today, so it’s good for people to know about them,” said David Detmer, professor of Philosophy. 

“Philosophy courses are great for developing critical thinking skills, reading analytically, and writing.

“The skills that you learn in philosophy courses tend to be generic rather than specific. … They can be used in any profession,” he said. “Employers in the modern world like to see general skills and knowledge.”

Ethics is the latest addition to Purdue Northwest’s range of certificate programs, which are designed to help students develop new skills, receive training to advance their careers, or enhance students’ existing knowledge.

Certificate programs permit students to explore a topic and develop confirmed expertise, but more quickly than traditional majors and minors. They also offer more flexibility. 

The programs are open to undergraduate students, but also to professionals who have graduated and seek credentials that can advance their careers, as well as people who simply want a broader perspective on ethical or other matters.

Most undergraduate certificate programs at PNW typically require students to complete a minimal number of credit hours, falling within the range of 12 to 18 credit hours.

“We’ve had the philosophy major, we’ve had the philosophy minor,” said Detmer. “This is a way where you don’t have to have the commitment to as many courses as a major or minor, but you still get a good dose of philosophy.”

Daniel Duncan, a senior English major is working on the undergraduate Writing for Interactive Media Certificate. 

“I went for the certificate in writing instead of a minor because it felt more efficient to do so,” he said. “All of the classes within the certificate were classes I already had to take for my degree, so I could pursue both without having to worry about deviating.”

The Writing for Interactive Media Certificate allows undergraduates to gain a theoretical understanding of interactive media – as well as practical experience in developing original proposals, designs, social media content, and more.

“The certificate has been very helpful thus far, as it involves writing for different traditional media on the web,” said Duncan. “I really feel like this certificate has expanded my capabilities in writing by challenging me to think outside the box and explore different avenues.

“You are forced to explore different mediums and grow as a writer,” said Duncan. “That’s why I really have enjoyed pursuing this certificate.”